Anyone go from LTC to the hospital???

snowfreeze, BSN, RN · Mar 11, 2006

I just returned to hospital nursing after 5 years of clinical coordinator and staff RN in a large LTC facility. I tried orienting back into ICU but have found I really like being able to talk to and teach my patients and their families so I transferred to a telemetry unit. It took me the whole 6 weeks plus a critical care and basic arrythmia class to feel comfortable. My Orientation ends after this weekend. Oh yeh, this is a paperfree facility too so I had to master the computer program as that is where the chart is.

Oh yes and I plan to return to school this fall, the hospital will reimburse me for some of my costs.

johnson0424 · Mar 12, 2006

I just returned to hospital nursing after 5 years of clinical coordinator and staff RN in a large LTC facility. I tried orienting back into ICU but have found I really like being able to talk to and teach my patients and their families so I transferred to a telemetry unit. It took me the whole 6 weeks plus a critical care and basic arrythmia class to feel comfortable. My Orientation ends after this weekend. Oh yeh, this is a paperfree facility too so I had to master the computer program as that is where the chart is.
Oh yes and I plan to return to school this fall, the hospital will reimburse me for some of my costs.

hey snowfreeze,

i know we have talked before...i am pondering a hospital job b/c of the flexibility with FNP school. I have done med surg/telemetry and LTC and was going to branch out to ER or ICU (which i have never done) I did my internship for my BSN in the ER and I too missed the talking with the patients etc. I like to talk and teach my patients also but am scared of having 12-13 patients like I used to have on med surg/telemetry...that was too stressful and why i got out of the hospital setting...were you scared going back to the hospital???i am terrified b/ c i will be the underdog...HELP kate

snowfreeze, BSN, RN · Mar 13, 2006

I have 4 patients on daylight and that goes up to possibly 6 after 3pm. This unit is considered critical care. Yes I was scared but after 6 weeks I feel quite comfortable. Today was my last day of orientation and they are switching my weekend because I have experience as a nurse...seems there are a lot of newer nurses on the opposing weekend and they are trying to even things up a bit. You are only the underdog if you perceive yourself as that. Chin up Kate!!!!! Go in to learn the unit you will work on, that will be new to you. Then use your experience to help you make patient advocate decisions.